AboutMichael Kelley Expertise For a different viewpoint on Mormonism for your questions, try me. I am a staunch believer in the Book of Mormon and belong to another church (the Church of Christ)that is set up identically to the Biblical church. If there are things about traditional Mormonism that trouble you or you have questions about, just ask and you might find the answers from the Book of Mormon to be quite surprising. I have been studying the scriptures diligently for 16 years under the school of hard knocks... I may not have all of the answers but will sure go find them if I don`t. I`m strongest on Biblical and Book of Mormon doctrines, and am also somewhat familiar with Mormon history and archaeology.
Question What would you say is the description or structure of the Biblical church?
Answer Hi Matt,
I will be happy to answer your question. Please note that I am ex-LDS and belong to the original Church of Christ that believes in the Book of Mormon.
In answer to your question... simply put the Biblical church will be a church that follows the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ. However people run into a problem in that there are 1000s of Christian churches, each professing the Bible, yet have many differing doctrines and practices. Typically this is a result of a lack of study of the scriptures on the part of the leadership and thier followers, and instead trusting in the traditions of men and trusting in man as one's guide.
The Bible states that Christ's church will:
1. Believe in God, and the role of Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, and the Holy Ghost
2. That we must repent of our sins and live a new life (the Bible details what is sin repeatedly).
3. Make a covenant to serve God and wash away our sins by baptism by immersion.
4. Receive the Holy Ghost by the laying of hands.
5. Experience the gifts of the Spirit such as healings, prophecies, revelations, tongues (not in the Charismatic sense), etc.
6. Exhibit true charity and love towards one another
7. Endure to the end of our lives.
8. Has a divinely called (by revelation) ministry with Christ as the head of the church, 12 Apostles as overseers, and Elders, Priests and Teachers.
9. Follows the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ.
10. Keeping the commandments of Christ.
11. Believes in an unchanging God
12. The Church and all functions will be in the name of Christ.
This selfsame church is taught in the Book of Mormon as well. One of the benefits of the Book of Mormon is that it more clearly teaches the very same precepts as the Bible... so that divisions aren't as many... though there are around 100 churches that also profess the Book of Mormon. In each of these divisions, the same problem exists... trusting in man and the traditions of man while forsaking many plainly written scriptures.
I hope this helps answer your question, feel free to ask other questions or for specific scripture quotes on a particular subject if you like.
